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From LA to Little Tokyo

Untranslated manga, adorable stationary, and unique Japanese literature straight from Japan line the shelves of Books Kinokuniya. With a history dating back to 1927 in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo, Books Kinokuniya is an authentic Japanese bookstore that offers Western literature as well as special Japanese goods, such as stationary and anime merchandise, at affordable prices.

The spice of chili flakes lingers in the air near Orochon Ramen, famous for its Red Hot Ramen Challenge. The restaurant offers three soup bases to choose from, salt, miso, and soy sauce, and a wide range of toppings, such as corn or bean sprouts, to add on. Customers choose the level of spice they want, from non-spicy to hype. Coming in generous portions, the ramen’s thick, savory broths complement the fresh vegetable toppings.

The spice of chili flakes lingers in the air near Orochon Ramen, famous for its Red Hot Ramen Challenge. The restaurant offers three soup bases to choose from, salt, miso, and soy sauce, and a wide range of toppings, such as corn or bean sprouts, to add on. Customers choose the level of spice they want, from non-spicy to hype. Coming in generous portions, the ramen’s thick, savory broths complement the fresh vegetable toppings.

Located in the very heart of Little Tokyo’s Japanese Village Plaza, Mikawaya is famous for its mochi ice creams. From plum wine to chocolate to green tea, the cafe offers a diverse range of flavors to choose from.

In the mood for a quick bite? Head to the crowd outside Mitsuru Cafe, located in the Japanese Village Plaza for traditional Japanese snacks. Watch fresh imagawayaki, red bean pancakes, be made through the store windows, or pick up a few skewers of savory takoyaki, battered octopus balls, or dango, chewy rice dumplings, drenched in a sweet soy sauce syrup.

In the mood for a quick bite? Head to the crowd outside Mitsuru Cafe, located in the Japanese Village Plaza for traditional Japanese snacks. Watch fresh imagawayaki, red bean pancakes, be made through the store windows, or pick up a few skewers of savory takoyaki, battered octopus balls, or dango, chewy rice dumplings, drenched in a sweet soy sauce syrup.

In the mood for a quick bite? Head to the crowd outside Mitsuru Cafe, located in the Japanese Village Plaza for traditional Japanese snacks. Watch fresh imagawayaki, red bean pancakes, be made through the store windows, or pick up a few skewers of savory takoyaki, battered octopus balls, or dango, chewy rice dumplings, drenched in a sweet soy sauce syrup.

Hear electro beats and synthesizers? That’s one-man band Arthur Nakane. Nakane, star on America’s Got Talent, frequently performs traditional Japanese songs in Little Tokyo on his homemade setup of synthesizers, keyboards, sound equipment, and other instruments. “I know so many Japanese songs, so why not share it with the rest of the world? People respond to what I do,” Nakane said. “They just don’t enjoy the performance, but they learn something about Japanese culture and about Little Tokyo, too.”

Silk blouses with cherry and flamingo prints and floral dresses peek through the windows of Shop-Ashiya, a small boutique that sells women’s clothing and accessories inspired by the girly and vintage aesthetic of Japanese fashion. Don’t forget to say hello to Mr. Sherman, one of the store owner’s cats that roams the shop.